‘Indian stance on Dawood Ibrahim coinciding with Pakistan’

In a weekly press briefing, the newly-installed FO spokesperson Qazi Khalillulah said Pakistan has been taking up the issue of Indian involvement in various parts of Pakistan from time to time. After the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary to Pakistan in March, the Foreign Secretary had briefed the media about the Indian involvement in FATA and Balochistan, he added.

Responding to a question regarding release of Mumbai attacks suspect Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and subsequent international pressure, Mr. Khalilullah said the Sanctions Committee required international travel ban, arms embargo and freezing of assets in this regard. “All these measures have been taken and are highlighted during our interaction with our international partners.”

To another query, Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy very close relations. “We want to extend our best wishes to them. Our cooperation is not dependent on a particular party forming the Government. We have longstanding relationship with UK and we are confident that we will have very close cooperation with the new Government.”